Los Alton Electrical FAQ

Here are a few basic answers to popular electrical questions asked by our clients in the San Jose, Palo Alto and Los Alton area. Please note however that we recommend that you always use the services of a qualified and certified electrician to avoid damage and injury.

I need to replace a breaker, but I don't know what kind it is. Are they all the same?

No. The easiest way is to bring in the old breaker with you to ensure you buy the right kind of breaker. If you do not have the old breaker, the brand name of your service box might allow us to find the right kind of breaker.

One of my breakers tripped. Is it dangerous?

Tripping breakers are usually the result of an overloaded circuit, which isn't a danger in itself. We recommend, if that is the case, that you try running fewer appliances on the circuit, which should fix the problem. If however an overloaded circuit is not the source of your breaker tripping, you might be dealing with something more serious like a short, defective wire, plug or socket, in which case we recommend you call a qualified electrician without delay.

Can I install a larger fuse to prevent it from tripping?

In most cases the answer is no. Fuses are designed to blow when the charge reaches a certain level in order to protect both your appliances and your safety.

The plug from our dryer doesn't fit the receptacle in our new house. Can I fix this?

If the receptacle doesn't fit the plug, it will need to be changed. Again, we strongly recommend you trust a certified electrician to do this.

What should a basic electrical tool kit contain?

Needle-nose pliers

Insulated screwdriver

Combination tool

Utility knife

Continuity tester

Circuit tester

Electrical tape

Wire connectors

What is a transformer?

A transformer is a device that converts voltage. In most homes, transformers reduce the voltage for use on low-voltage equipment, such as thermostats and doorbells.

Electrical Tips

At Altap Electrical, we believe that routine maintenance and common sense can help you through most basic electrical issues. For instance, if a light's out, start by checking the bulb, but before you undertake any electrical project, you definitely want to consult an electrician. Here at Altap Electrical, we're more than happy to help you with any electrical issues you might have, but we offer these simple electrical tips to help you better maintain and identify electrical issues as part of our ongoing effort to provide the best possible electrical services to our customers.

Circuit breakers- Heavy duty safety switches that serve the same purpose as fuses.

Grounding- This requires all metal parts of any wiring system or anything connected to it will be maintained at 0 volts during a short circuit to protect shock or death.

All wires are color coded. Hot wires are usually black or red but could be another color (excluding green, gray or white) and should be marked for safety's sake. Electricity can be dangerous when working with it so safety must be considered first and foremost. Never work on a live circuit, always make sure electricity is shut off when working on receptacles, switches, or anything that runs on electricity. In fact, when changing a fuse you must shut off the main disconnect. If your troubleshooting doesn't provide an answer or the job is more than something simple that you can safely, capably handle, contact us. We're ready, willing and able to help.

Contact Us Today

For more information about Altap Electrical and the electrical services we offer, please contact us today. We are happy to answer your questions and provide details about our current special deals. Join our email list today to receive exclusive promotions and offers.

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Fully insured and bonded, Altap Electrical electricians are available on call, 24/7, for emergency repairs when prompt response to any electrical emergency is crucial.

Contact Information

Phone: (408) 309-8290

Email: altapelectrical@yahoo.com

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All information provided is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between Altap Electrical and any person or entity unless otherwise specified. Information is subject to change without prior notice. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, LinkNow™ Media makes no guarantees of any kind.